After being humiliated in their opening game of Asia Cup 2022 by Afghanistan, not many people thought Sri Lanka to go all the way but against all odds, the Lankans thrashed Pakistan by 23 runs in the final to win their 6th Asia Cup title.
Put into bat, original hosts Sri Lanka found themselves wanting at 58/5. But Bhanuka Rajapaksa turned the tide against Pakistan with an unbeaten 45-ball-71. Wanindu Hasaranga proved to be his willing ally as the two powered the Lankas to 170/6.
Chasing which, the Men in Green were reduced to 22/2. Pakistan once again looked towards Mohammad Rizwan to bail them out of trouble and he did try his best with a gritty 55. But not much support from the other end meant that Pakistan was all out for 147.
Sri Lanka extended its winning run to 5 games and certainly saved the best for the last. In fact, it was the first time the Lankans defended a score in T20Is in 2022.
Also read: Asia Cup 2022: PCB chairman Ramiz Raja explains the reason behind India's early exit